Page 9 of Hometown Harbor 4
“Oh, that’s so modern. I never did get that whole ‘working on oneself’ thing. Next thing you know, you’re going to become a vegetarian and join a cult,” she said.
Tabitha didn’t comment because nothing would change her mother’s old-fashioned ways. She had her life in Arizona, and she was happy in the bubble she and Chet had created. Things like that did bother her, but now they rolled off her like rain on a duck’s back.
“How are things going with you and Chet?” Tabitha asked.
“Good as they can be. Chet and I both have little health issues to pay attention to, but nothing catastrophic. My bursitis has been acting up, and Chet’s blood pressure has been creeping up. Last week, I went to the doctor?—”
Tabitha kindly cut her mother short. As long as it was nothing serious, she didn’t have the patience to follow her mother’s health journey.
“I have another call that I have to take. I love you so much, and we’ll chat again soon.” Tabitha didn’t have another call, but she was trying to protect her sanity.
“I love you, too. Go get your call, dear,” Gloria said before hanging up.
Tabitha didn’t have the time to put down the phone before it rang again. It was Marcus, and Tabitha didn’t know how to react. She nearly dropped the phone. Was he back in Melbourne Beach and ready to sweep her off her feet? Would she take him back that easily? She pressed the green button.
“Marcus, how are you?” Tabitha asked.
“I’m good, thanks for asking. Is Dalton with you?” he asked.
“No, I think his buddies are stopping by because Deenie is spending time with her cousin. They’re probably too busy catching up to answer a ringing phone.”
“I was just making sure he wasn’t having a setback. He has been answering on the first ring since all he does is sit in bed. I’ll try him again later. Have you been well?” Marcus asked. “I’m sure there hasn’t been a boring moment with the four of you women and a couple of teens mixed in.”
“Yeah, it’s turning out to be a great summer,” Tabitha lied, sort of. On second thought, she hadn’t fibbed because it had turned into a great summer. His little ghosting maneuver had thrown her off her game for a few days, but she recovered nicely.
“Good to hear. If you see Dalton, tell him I called. He can run, but he can’t hide from his favorite uncle. Come to think of it, he can’t run.” Marcus laughed at his joke. “Take care, Tabitha.” Click.
Tabitha looked down at the phone and couldn’t believe that was a call from the man she thought she loved. He was so cold and distant. There was no apology or explanation of why he chose to end things the way he did. Tabitha figured he believed everything was covered in the note. A letter was never enough and bordered on cowardice.
Tabitha bent over, and when she sat up straight, Greg was standing there and swaying as he did. He had been out with his former work colleagues and was a little drunk. He hadn’t driven since they always chose a designated driver, and it clearly wasn’t him.
“I take it that wasn’t your best friend on the phone, was it?” Greg asked.
“Not really, I guess,” Tabitha said.
“Who was it?”
“You’re awfully nosy tonight, but your filter evaporates when you have a couple of drinks. It was no one – long story.”
“I’m guessing that it was the realtor who left you high and dry. I’m sorry you have to deal with that. He couldn’t regret leaving more than I do. Julie was the worst mistake of my life. It took living in the same house as you to make me realize what I had.”
Tabitha couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She thought it had to be the beers or tequila, maybe both. He would forget ever saying those words once he sobered up. At least, she hoped so. There was a time when his contrition was all she wanted to hear, but now things were different.
“Before you say another word, I have to recommend you go to sleep. You’re going to be hungover tomorrow, and then it’s time for you and Deenie to head back to Houston,” Tabitha said.
“You may not want to hear it, but I know where I’m meant to be now, and it’s with?—”
Tabitha cut him off quickly. “Seriously, get to bed before you dig yourself further into a hole.”
“I’ve been sleeping on the top bunk, and I don’t think I can climb up there on my own,” Greg said with slurred words.
“You can either sleep on the floor or have Kylen help you when he gets home. I expect him within the hour. I’ll inform him of your predicament,” Tabitha said flatly. She was not entering a bedroom with her ex-husband. She was still stinging from her phone call with Marcus, and who knows what kind of stupid mistake she would make.
Greg got the hint and swayed back to the bunk room after a false turn into the linen closet.
Tabitha was heading to bed just as Kylen and Deenie arrived home. She told Kylen about his uncle’s predicament, which made him and Deenie laugh. They decided to head to the kitchen and have snacks instead of dealing with Greg right away.
“A night on the floor isn’t going to kill him, and it might give him a good dose of humility,” Kylen said.